Free Knitting Patterns for Doll Clothes
Free knitting patterns for doll clothes are a great way to dress up a favorite doll. The store-bought clothes available for these dolls--especially American Girl dolls with their period dresses--are pretty but pricey. Instead, create darling, personalized pieces that nobody else will have. If you have extra time, you can even knit matching child- and doll-size outfits.
Knitting a Doll's Wardrobe
Skilled knitters may want to take some tried-and-true patterns they have and scale them down according to the doll's size. Imagine making little cardigans with matching hats, tiny socks, and petite scarves. If you'd rather use a pattern to get started, I've gathered a few that will start a doll's wardrobe out very nicely.
This basic Barbie party dress becomes a timeless classic knit in all black yarn. Update it for any time period by changing the color or using variegated yarn in alternating colors. Or simply use up some remnants left from other projects--Barbie won't care if it's wool or cotton.
An easy one for new knitters--this tube dress is like knitting a basic tube sock without the difficult foot . Gussy this one up with a metallic yarn or knit some sequins into it to make it sparkle. You might also knit the skirt in one color and the bodice and ribbing in another. You might also get fancy and turn this into a sweater dress with a cable or chevron stitch running lengthwise.
American Girl Faux Fur-Lined Coat
American Girl dolls come with beautiful clothes--both period and modern pieces. Create this beautiful faux fur-lined coat for an American Girl or any 18-inch doll. Just be sure you own a crochet hook to finish the faux fur lining.
American Girl Alma Mater Sweater
Show your doll's team spirit for your own university with this sweater. I'd knit mine red and white for Rutgers' Scarlet Knights. What colors would you use?
My grandmother was not only a professional seamstress, she was also a pretty decent knitter. I have memories of a birthday party at my grandparents' apartment where I received one of the favorite gifts of my youth--a doll dressed in a hand knit dress with matching hat. The doll was cheap, plastic and unimportant, but the clothes were what I adored. Make memories of your own, using these free knitting patterns as your starting point.
